Berlin Mixtapes 075 - Carina Lawrence

There are DJs who play records, and then there are DJs who create experiences. Carina Lawrence firmly belongs in the latter category. Building her early career behind the decks at some of Melbourne’s best events before establishing herself in London, she's built a reputation for effortlessly moving between genres, reading crowds with precision, and delivering sets that feel both deeply personal and universally uplifting.

Fresh from another unforgettable journey to Anjunadeep Explorations in Albania, a festival she describes as one that somehow gets better every year, Carina caught up with us to talk about the magic of Gjipe Beach, as well as playing the main Splendour stage, the inspiration she draws from music and travel, balancing a busy life with creativity, and the experiences that shaped her into the versatile artist she is today.

We sat down with Carina to discuss her musical journey, the moments that continue to inspire her, and why connecting people through music remains at the heart of everything she does. Let's go!

Hi Carina, great to speak with you. How are you and what’s been keeping you busy this week? Lovely to chat with you too! I’ve just returned from Albania after spending around 10 days there for Anjunadeep Festival and then a few days to relax! This week has been about catching up on work and music :)

It looked like you had an amazing time at Anjunadeep’s Explorations festival last week. How did it go and where did you play?

It was incredible! I say it every year but it really does get better each year. I was honoured to be playing four sets this year at Gjipe, The Tent stage, Splendour and The Cove. All four sets were so different, I really got to explore a range of sounds and each one was a journey in its own right!

What are some of your favourite moments of the festival?

Gjipe would have to be my favourite moment/day of the festival. There’s something so special about that place! It’s somewhere that people are able to just let go and just be themselves. The music gets better every year there and this year I had the pleasure of warming things up for Dosem and Because of Art who then took us all on an incredible 4 hour journey!

After Anjunadeep and coming to see us in Brighton on 11 July, you also have Junction 2 Festival and Balance Croatia coming up. Tell us more about that.

I’m really buzzing to be back playing at Junction 2 this year, it’s such a great festival and for it to be in the heart of London is amazing. This year I’ll be playing on the bridge stage with the likes of Adam Beyer and Miss Monique.

As for Balance, I’ve been looking forward to joining this festival for some time. It really is the lineup of dreams with the best of the best progressive artists there. It’s going to be 4 days of quality music and I’m grateful to be amongst it all. Having a release coming out on the Balance Festival compilation makes it extra special. I can’t wait!

How do you look after your wellbeing while balancing travel, studio time, and performance commitments?

Life is quite busy with everything that’s going on but I try to make sure I always find time for exercise, mainly running! It helps to clear my mind and keep me in check. I also make sure I balance between my music and also taking some time away from it too, meeting with friends and just chilling out!

You're originally from Melbourne but now based in London. How has that move influenced both your sound and your career?

Melbourne was a great place to start my DJ career and playing there through many succesful years at some incredible events gave me a solid grounding into what it takes to be a successful artist. The scene is very close nit and strong there, and I held residencies at some key clubs with amazing crowds which gave me the opportunity to really hone my skills, learning to read the room, different sets and audiences and really understand your role as the DJ.

It’s made me become incredibly versatile and confident to know whatever position I may find myself in at a gig, I can work my way through it very confidently whether supporting or headlining.

Looking back, what first pulled you towards electronic music and DJing? Was there a particular artist, club, or moment that sparked something?

I went out clubbing as a 17 year old and was loving the music from Avicii, Alesso, Eric Prydz and mainly the ministry of sound music. I was hooked instantly and just wanted to be a part of the scene so I decided a few years after that to take up djing. I always loved making playlists and creating a vibe for my friends at pre drinks so it felt natural to become a DJ.

Where was your first gig and how did it go?

My first gig was at a local football club's start of season party. I actually was playing b2b with my best friend because we started djing together as a duo. We were playing off our CDJ200’s with CD’s. We practised all weekend before! It went well and I was hooked after that!

You've released music on labels like Mobilee, Bar25 and TalkTalk Records. Are there any future releases you can get us excited about?

I have a release coming out next Friday on Balance as part of the Balance Croatia Festival compilation, the track is called Celestial. And then later this year in September I'll be releasing a track with Enormous Music. There’s also more in the pipeline which I can’t wait to show you :)

Buy Release Here >

What DJ's or producers are you enjoying right now?

I’m really enjoying Spencer Brown at the moment, I just saw him play in Anjuna Explorations and he blew me away with his set but I also love his productions and always play his music. Patrice Baumel as well for me is a staple, I love his sets and continue to be inspired by the way he takes people on a journey. The set he played in London a few months back was all time and I’ve taken that to the memory bank for sure.

What are some of your go-to labels?

Selador

Bedrock

Mobilee

Crosstown Rebels

Anjunadeep Explorations

You have compiled our latest Berlin Mixtapes Series Episode 075 - Tell us more about your mix.

I wanted to create a mix that takes you on a journey through different soundscapes and would closely resemble a club set that I’d play. I love weaving throughout different genres and creating moments that give a lasting memory.

Thanks for spending some time with us, is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers?

I’m going to be running a few of my own events over the coming months in London so if you’re in town and around, come by and have some fun :) Will be a great community event and the music wil of course be 10/10!

Quick-fire round:

Genre: Indie dance

Favourite colour: Green

What do you put on your chips: Tomato sauce

First record ever bought: Saint Germain

Apple or Android: Apple

Can you juggle: No, but trying!

Weirdest/Coolest Item of clothing: Melbourne Demons PJs

Do you collect anything: Used to collect hotel cards

What is the most useless talent you have: Whistling

Favourite place to hang out in Berlin: Suicide Circus

Favourite club (past and present): Akasha

Favouriye bar/pub: The Castle (Islington)

Favourite beer/drink: Carlton Draught (Aussie Beer)

Favourite place to eat: Pho (Vietnamese)

Weirdest thing you have eaten: Fish eyes (brings good luck)

How do you like your eggs: I’m the egg queen so honestly any way, but if I had to pick, scrambled.

Coffee or tea: Coffee

Favourite football/sports team: EPL - Chelsea, AFL - Melbourne Demons

Favourite track right now: Ezequial Arias - Psychodelia

3 words to describe your mix: Melodic, Vibey, Banging

Listen to Berlin Mixtapes - Carina Lawrence - 075 - Here

Tracklist

Tim Green - To Know Nothing – Shanti Radio

Maze28 - Personal Space – Anjunadeep Explorations

Gorge - Tiago – Katchuli

Whitesquare - Twin Humanities – Innervisions

Kamilo Sanclemente & Mauro Aguirre - Smoke Machine – Kling Klong

Beckers, D-Nox & Lexer - Conquista – Selador

Chus & Ceballos & Dennis Cruz - The Sun – Chus & Ceballos, Dennis Cruz

Budakid - Chromium – Flores

Second Sine & ANUQRAM - Wake Me Up – Anjunabeats

Dee Montero - Azteca – Do Not Sit On The Furniture

Toomy Disco - The Awakening (Dilby Remix) – Warung

M.O.S - Changes – Colorize

Oovation, Jares - The Shift – W

Cortona - The Chant – Bedrock

Makebo - Birth Of A New Sun – All Day I Dream

Carina Lawrence - Celestial – Balance

Fauxplay, Anthony Pappa - Forever Seeking – Early Morning

Spencer Brown - Aerocity – Bedrock

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